Ceremony

Ketubah (Marriage Contract)
The Ketubah is a marriage contract, required by Jewish law, attesting to the commitments Alison and David make to each other as a married couple. It is one of the oldest elements of Jewish weddings.

 

Bedeken (Veiling)
The Bedeken is the veiling ceremony during which the groom places a veil over the bride. By covering Alison with a veil, David ascertains her identity and confirms he is marrying the woman of his heart's desire.

 

The Chuppah  (Wedding Canopy)
Alison and David will be married under a Chuppah which symbolizes the new home they will build together. The Chuppah rests on four poles, yet has no walls, reflecting the idea that family and friends will always be welcome in their home.

 

Hakafot  (Circling)
Alison will circle David 7 times. The circling is a physical enactment of the wedding ring, conveying unity and completeness. Seven circles, symbolizing the seven days in which the world was created, and thereby defining a new world for the couple and raising them up, together, spiritually.

 

Kiddushin (Blessings of the Betrothed)
The Kiddushin begins with the recitation of two blessings. The first is the blessing over the wine, a Jewish symbol of joy and sanctification of the celebratory time. The second blessing expresses the sacredness of their marriage. 

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Exchanging of the Rings
The rings Alison and David will exchange must be solid metal, devoid of any cuts or stones without beginning or end, representing their never ending love.

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Sheva Brachot (The Seven Blessings)
The seven blessings are recited over the second cup of wine, symbolizing the seven days of creation. 

 

The Breaking of the Glass
Concluding the ceremony, David will break a glass in memory of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The broken pieces of glass remind us of the delicate nature of a marriage, which must always be nurtured, and that life is fragile.